What are three unacceptable characteristics of improper technique?

• A. Undercut, excessive face reinforcement, and overlap
• B. Overwash, spatter, and porosity
• C. Cracking, lack of fusion, and burn-through
• D. Overheating, slag inclusion, and distortion

Answer: (A)

Understanding what improper technique looks like helps you spot defects that weaken and misfit a weld. The three characteristics listed—undercut, excessive face reinforcement, and overlap—are classic signs that technique was not performed correctly. Undercut forms a groove along the weld toe that eats into the base metal, thinning the throat and reducing strength; it’s a direct consequence of excessive heat input or improper travel speed and angle. Excessive face reinforcement means too much weld metal on the surface, which can trap stresses and create a convex bead that doesn’t sit flush with the joint, indicating poor control of bead size and travel. Overlap happens when the weld projects onto the base metal without proper fusion, reflecting incorrect technique such as insufficient penetration or wrong travel angle and speed. The other sets of defects can arise from a mix of factors like contamination, shielding issues, or fit problems, rather than being immediate, clear indicators of poor technique alone.